In the kitchen, Nancy Sutton tied her apron, walked to the fridge, and glanced at the vegetable section, only to find a few eggplants and lettuce left.
Looks like I'll have to buy groceries tomorrow.
Nancy's eyes darted around as she quickly settled on tonight's menu: braised eggplant in oil and garlic lettuce.
As for the meat dish, Nancy took out the yellow beef from the second compartment of the fridge, suddenly not knowing what to do.
This is quite a dilemma.
Nancy inadvertently glanced at the ginger on the kitchen counter.
Hey! I can make beef steamed with ginger strips, tender and juicy, perfect for kids and elderly with weak teeth.
Thinking this, Nancy started working, washing all the vegetables and setting them aside.
After washing the rice, Nancy put it in the rice cooker and pressed the cook button.
She then picked up an eggplant, skillfully chopped it into small pieces, and prepared the sauce for braised eggplant, mixing soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar together.
She broke the lettuce into pieces and placed them in a small basket since lettuce cooks quickly, planning to prepare it last.
The yellow beef was sliced into small pieces, just the perfect bite size, and the ginger was cut into strips, evenly spread on a plate, with the beef placed on top.
Soy sauce, salt, sesame oil, and oyster sauce were mixed together into a sauce, poured over the dish, soaking it thoroughly as she evenly massaged it with gloved hands, giving it a spa treatment.
Then she started steaming, pouring water into the pan.
Meanwhile, she wasn't idle, pouring oil into a nonstick skillet and stir-frying the eggplant, then pouring the prepared sauce in and sautéing briefly.
Once it's almost done, she poured a small bowl of water and covered it with a lid, letting it simmer for a few minutes to stew the eggplant until it's tender and flavorful.
By this time, the beef was almost steamed, and if it took any longer, it might become tough, so Nancy deftly turned off the heat but didn't take it out immediately, letting it simmer for a few more minutes.
Feeling a bit bored, Nancy took out her phone and started watching videos. A few minutes later, she looked up and checked the eggplant.
Feeling it was about right, she mixed a little cornstarch and water and poured it in for simple browning.
Soon, a delicious braised eggplant was ready.
The braised eggplant and beef were served on the table, drawn by the aroma wafting from the kitchen, the two kids in the living room were already tempted.
Secretly drooling, they hurried to the kitchen, not needing Nancy's reminder; Mason Sutton and Bianca Sutton obediently went to get the bowls and chopsticks.
They started placing them in front of each chair. Ms Quincy saw this scene and her lips unconsciously curled in a smile, unable to hold back her praise.
"Such good kids, so considerate!"
Bianca shyly scratched her head and then gave Ms Quincy a sweet smile, acting coyly cute.
Upon hearing this, Mason felt delighted and walked towards Ms Quincy, thoughtfully helping her to the dining table.
Nancy saw this scene and gave Mason an approving look.
Bianca pouted a little, unwilling to be left out, hurried over and mimicked Mason's actions, also carefully assisting Ms Quincy.
Nancy couldn't help but chuckle seeing Bianca trying to steal attention.
She quickly chopped up some garlic, tossed it into the pan to stir-fry, and finally added the lettuce with some salt; within 5 minutes, the garlic lettuce was done.
Before long, various dishes were placed on the table, and there was rice in the kitchen, but Mason and Bianca didn't start eating immediately.
Because Nancy had taught them some manners — to wait until adults began before the kids could eat.
Nancy was actually feeling a bit hungry herself; she glanced at Ms Quincy and invited everyone.
"Let's eat."
Mason and Bianca's eyes lit up, picking up their chopsticks, Bianca grabbed a piece of eggplant and put it in her bowl.
She carefully blew on it, waited until it wasn't too hot, and put it in her mouth.
The eggplant absorbed the rich sauce; when gently bitten, the sauce burst in her mouth with a unique deliciousness.
Bianca found it so tasty, her eyes curved into crescents like the moon in the night sky.
"Mom, the eggplant is so delicious, really goes well with rice!"
After saying this, Bianca jumped off the chair and went to fill a bowl of rice; Nancy noticed everyone's satisfied expressions and secretly let out a sigh of relief.
Ms Quincy also tasted it, looked at Nancy, and nodded in approval.
Nancy couldn't quite grasp the meaning of Ms Quincy's reaction, feeling slightly uneasy.
Ms Quincy indeed had a surprising comment.
"Nancy, your cooking skills are really suitable for marriage."
Nancy chuckled awkwardly, not daring to respond, fearing she'd be set up with Liam Quincy.
That would be disastrous!
After almost finishing the meal, Mason and Bianca volunteered to wash the dishes themselves; Nancy smiled and let them go ahead.
Nancy and Ms Quincy moved into the living room, and with rare moments of just the two of them, Ms Quincy began inquiring about Nancy's recent situation.
Nancy skillfully engaged in conversation but felt a bit anxious for some unknown reason, slyly checking the time on her watch.
8:20 PM, why hasn't Liam arrived yet?
For some reason, Ms Quincy started talking about her grandson Liam Quincy, making Nancy's smile tense and pretending to be interested.
But inwardly, she was utterly disdainful and couldn't show it on her face.
Speak of the devil, the doorbell finally rang, and Nancy's lips imperceptibly curled slightly, releasing a breath of relief.
Someone finally arrived!
She wouldn't have to deal with Ms Quincy anymore, thank goodness.
Nancy's pace quickened as she opened the wooden door, revealing a handsome and charming face, as expected.
Nancy stepped aside to let the man enter the house.
Liam Quincy's gaze flickered, lingering on Nancy for a few seconds before he removed his shoes, put on slippers, and entered the living room.
Suddenly, Liam's face changed, his pace quickened uncontrollably, nearly running to the sofa, crouching down beside Ms Quincy.
Nancy was baffled, not knowing what was happening, and quickly followed suit.
Ms Quincy bent over, rubbing her forehead.
"Oh dear, my head hurts."
Liam instantly saw through Ms Quincy's act, feeling a bit speechless, but still said.
"We need to go home, Grandma."
Ms Quincy seemed to not hear Liam's words, lying on the couch, tossing and turning, displaying serious signs of a headache.
Liam couldn't forcibly take Ms Quincy away, momentarily unsure what to do.
Nancy also felt helpless, choosing not to utter a word. Liam thought for a while and eventually sighed in compromise.
Turning to Nancy, he asked.
"Do you have an extra guest room here?"